DBrown
Well-Known Member
Got this in my inbox today, the word is that this email is going out to all FSDO areas.
DPEs and selected CFIs,
We sometimes get requests to conduct CFII initial exams before the applicant completes the CFIinitial certification. Apparently, the CFII is perceived to be an easier oral exam to take from the FAA than the CFI ASEL. Then the the applicant takes the CFI from a DPE, which is again perceived to be easier.
In the past, this practice was allowed. The EMI FSDO will no longer allow this practice.
See the attached FAA legal opinions which provide the basis for our policy.
See, also, portions of an email from the General Aviation (Operations) Front Line Manager, explaining the policy.
Note, also, that to give instrument instruction required for a Commercial, ATP, or instrument rating, the instructor must hold a CFII. Per the legal opinion, a non-instrument instructor can only give basic instrument instruction towards the private certificate. That fact might be worth double-checking during the logbook review of your applicants.
Larry McKillop, POI
DPE Focal Point
East Michigan FSDO
CFII TESTING! IMPORTANT!
Historically, earning the CFII as a "first time" instructor certificate or rating was an accepted practice. However, please review the attached legal opinion from Washington which is a "plain English" translation of 61.195(b).
In short, the opinion states that, to give instruction in an aircraft, BOTH category and class MUST be listed on BOTH the pilot certificate and instructor certificate. Of course, the CFII only showscategory such as INSTRUMENT-AIRPLANE. No class rating is listed. Thus, anyone holding simply a CFII cannot instruct in an aircraft!
This also clarifies a long-standing belief that a CFI-ASE only (no AME) with a CFII can giveinstrument training in a multi-engine airplane. Not so.
Thus, the EMI FSDO will no longer accept any applicants for a CFII as a "first time" instructor certificate.
Steve Hanes
Front Line Manager
EMI FSDO
DPEs and selected CFIs,
We sometimes get requests to conduct CFII initial exams before the applicant completes the CFIinitial certification. Apparently, the CFII is perceived to be an easier oral exam to take from the FAA than the CFI ASEL. Then the the applicant takes the CFI from a DPE, which is again perceived to be easier.
In the past, this practice was allowed. The EMI FSDO will no longer allow this practice.
See the attached FAA legal opinions which provide the basis for our policy.
See, also, portions of an email from the General Aviation (Operations) Front Line Manager, explaining the policy.
Note, also, that to give instrument instruction required for a Commercial, ATP, or instrument rating, the instructor must hold a CFII. Per the legal opinion, a non-instrument instructor can only give basic instrument instruction towards the private certificate. That fact might be worth double-checking during the logbook review of your applicants.
Larry McKillop, POI
DPE Focal Point
East Michigan FSDO
CFII TESTING! IMPORTANT!
Historically, earning the CFII as a "first time" instructor certificate or rating was an accepted practice. However, please review the attached legal opinion from Washington which is a "plain English" translation of 61.195(b).
In short, the opinion states that, to give instruction in an aircraft, BOTH category and class MUST be listed on BOTH the pilot certificate and instructor certificate. Of course, the CFII only showscategory such as INSTRUMENT-AIRPLANE. No class rating is listed. Thus, anyone holding simply a CFII cannot instruct in an aircraft!
This also clarifies a long-standing belief that a CFI-ASE only (no AME) with a CFII can giveinstrument training in a multi-engine airplane. Not so.
Thus, the EMI FSDO will no longer accept any applicants for a CFII as a "first time" instructor certificate.
Steve Hanes
Front Line Manager
EMI FSDO
